Night Time Sanctuary

“Hormones, weight gain/loss, focus, energy; our sleep patterns affect so much of our lives that it’s no wonder we feel so off when we don’t have a restful night’s sleep. In a busy day to day life, however, it is not always easy to get your full eight (8) hours. I know that often times, I don’t get anywhere near the amount of sleep I need. The best way to handle this, is to make the most of the sleep you DO get (if it is impossible to switch around your habits to get more sleep). Turning your bedroom into a night time sanctuary is the best remedy I have found.”

~Clear any and all clutter from the room, especially around the bed. Fill it,instead, with things that delight and relax you.

~There is nothing like taking some time out of your day to relax and pamper your self before bed. Turn a drawer in your bedside table into a mini-spa. Include nail clippers, cuticle nippers, rich balms for lips, hands and feet, and don’t forget the silk eye mask to help soothe and cool tired eyes. A little TLC each night before bed not only relaxes you, but makes you softer and more refreshed when you wake!

~Before bed, I, personally, like to have a cup of herbal tea. Speaking of filling your area with things that relax and delight you, my teapot, cup and saucer are a prime example! I keep herbal tea bags on a neat little tray inside my spa drawer. Boiling water and refilling my teapot is a cinch and in no time I am enjoying my herbal tea whilst pampering my tired little feet. Even if you’re not a tea drinker, keeping a decanter of water (or whatever you prefer to drink before bed) and a pretty glass can add convenience to your nightly routine.

~Sometimes, especially if the day has been particularly eventful, it helps to get it down onto paper. Studies have also shown that journaling can not only help clear your mind of worries, but also relieve stress! However, some days are not as eventful as others, and it can leave the page looking a little empty. One-Line-A-Day (5 year journal) was created with people like us in mind. It is just enough room for you to jot down your most pressing thoughts, without the obligation of filling up an entire page. I found mine on Urban Outfitters, and I LOVE it.

~Along with your teacup and teapot, or decanter and glass, the top of your bedside table should be filled with sights, scents and sounds that relax and lull you. Linen sprays are a must, candles, pictures of loved ones even a small music station with soothing music or sounds should be found here.

~When you climb into bed, nothing feels better than clean, cool sheets pillowy soft blankets and a pillow that is just begging for you to lay your head down. Natural fibers for sheets and comforters, and a mattress pad will give your bed new life; and replacing your pillow every 1-2 years will help keep you sleeping on cloud 9.

~Keeping a clean organized room doesn’t always mean that everything has to be stashed away or hidden from site. Choosing pieces that make you smile and look pretty means that you won’t be ashamed to display them, which also makes them more readily available. Some of these items :

~Robe –Stray from the typical bath-time terrycloth material and pick something soft and pretty that you can lounge in.~Slippers –You spend all day on your feet, so once you get home slipping into little slippers that feel like clouds is a treat. Make sure they look as pretty as they make you feel.~Pajamas –These should definitely make you smile when you see yourself in them.~Linen Spray – Setting the mood for sleep is just as important as the act itself. Linen spray helps calm you by filling the room with a soft relaxing scent.~ Blankets and throws –for those cold winter nights, or sick days, when you just want something plush to cuddle up in.